Defining commitment

Sportsnet's Mike Brophy believes that the class with which Chris Chelios handled himself during the Stanley Cup Finals served as just another testament to his supreme professionalism, passion for and dedication to the game of hockey. Chelios doesn't disagree in terms of assessing his lot in hockey life:

October 3, Sportsnet: "I'm a 46-year-old man playing on the best team in the NHL," Chelios says. "I know my situation and the fact is the Red Wings can't afford to let younger guys sit while the play me ahead of them. They have to develop their young players just like the other teams do. But I also think I have shown a commitment to the Red Wings organization. That is why I re-signed to play here in the off-season. I'll wait my turn and when they come to me, I'll be ready. You don't sit around hoping somebody plays lousy or that somebody gets hurt. But this is hockey. I know I'll get my chance and when I do, I'll be ready."

Indeed. The fact is, Chelios won't be able to start the season, his 24th in the NHL, because he cracked a bone in his leg blocking a shot during a pre-season game. He'll probably miss a month. It's a setback, just like not playing in the final, but he faces things dead on and when his time comes, he'll play with the enthusiasm of a kid.

"It's kind of like last year when I had a really good camp and then started the year on the first penalty-killing until playing with Nick (Lidstrom)," Chelios says. "That's what I had hoped would happen again this year. Injuries are part of the game and I'll deal with it."

The Red Wings are hoping to be the first team to repeat as Cup champs since they did it in 1997 and 1998. With some of the league's most gifted forwards, unbelievable depth and great coaching, many believe they can do it. Once a great offence-minded defenceman, Chelios isn't much of a scoring threat these days. Last season in 69 games he scored three goals and 12 points. But he remains a very solid defender and a great influence to the younger generation of Wings players.

And while playing in Detroit is his first choice, he's open to the idea of playing for another team if it means keeping his career alive. In 1,616 games Chelios has scored 185 goals and 948 points.

"I love playing for the Red Wings and my intention is to play here," Chelios says. "But if there isn't room for me I think there are a number of teams I could go to and help. We'll see how things work out."